Arsenal complete €18m deal but no announcement until July

Arsenal have reportedly completed a deal to sign Sokratis from Borussia Dortmund with the announcement expected to come after 1 July as the Germans wait for their new financial year to start.

Sokratis, who turned 30 at the weekend, is the second signing at the club since the arrival of Unai Emeray as manager and will add yet more experience to the backline after the free capture of Stephan Lichtsteiner from Juventus at the end of his contract.

Last season, he made 43 appearances for Dortmund, scoring three goals. Transfermarkt value him at around €22m, so Arsenal are getting a decent deal if the rumours on price are true.

According to those who watch him, Sokratis should have no trouble fitting into the intense, attacking football philosophy that Arsenal play, as that’s what he’s already used to at Dortmund.

Last year, a Dortmund fan analysed the defender’s step up after Mats Hummels left for Bayern Munich. He noted that the defender made the second most tackles per game in the league, as well as being right up there in terms of blocks. Since that article was written, Sokratis actually increased his tackling numbers, so it’s fair to say he’s not afraid to get stuck in.

His passing is also very strong, and he’s strong in the air, but does tend to commit fouls often.

To see Arsenal’s new defender in action, check out the video below (skip to 0:50 to avoid all the adverts and build up):